'Lights On!' book offers a child's perspective

For the past century, Taunton residents have gathered in December to watch the lights come on and recreate the childlike wonder that only the holiday season can inspire.

In those moments before Taunton Green lights up, we’re all kids again.

This year, Jennifer and Elizabeth Hoye have captured that feeling with their commemorative children’s book.

Kristina Fontes

For the past century, Taunton residents have gathered in December to watch the lights come on and recreate the childlike wonder that only the holiday season can inspire.

In those moments before Taunton Green lights up, we’re all kids again.

This year, Jennifer and Elizabeth Hoye have captured that feeling with their commemorative children’s book.

"Lights on! 100 Years of Family Memories on the Taunton Green" offers a child’s-eye view of the annual tradition, "including the excitement of attending the lighting, the thrill of seeing teachers and friends downtown, enjoying the family-friendly attractions, and seeing the Green lit up for the holiday season.”

Jennifer Hoye said she based the main character on a younger version of her daughter Abigail. “She looks forward to attending Lights On each year," Hoye said, "and I’ve always enjoyed seeing the happiness on her face at the end of the night.”

This is the first book for both Hoyes, and the realization of a longtime dream for Jennifer. She has always wanted to write a book.

When the lighting committee began planning this year’s event, the possibility of a children’s book was discussed and both women happily took on the project.

Being sisters-in-law, working together was not only natural but fun for both of them.

“Once I’d written a first draft, we collaborated on imagery, style, and my idea for a young Abby as the main character,” Jennifer said. “Beth did a great job of capturing each scene!”

Elizabeth added “it has been great working with Jen …. I know that (she) has always wanted to write a book and am honored that she asked me to be a part of it.”

Their friends and family have also been a big part of the book. Jennifer’s son Joey also appears in the book, something that the 3-year old is thrilled about.

Elizabeth has included similar surprises throughout the story. “I was able to include a few little hidden messages in my illustrations. I put all of my nieces’ and nephews’ names into the pictures … I hope they are excited to see their names in the book.”

This project was also done for the people of Taunton.

Jennifer said she thought her 1998 move to the Silver City would be temporary. But over the last 15 years, she has built a life here with her husband and three children.

“Writing this book was my way of contributing to the community and to the 100th lighting of the Taunton Green," she said. "I hope that this book captured the Lights On memories shared by others, and that it becomes part of an annual Lights On tradition for many Taunton families.”

Elizabeth said she hopes that when readers see her illustrations they “will be able to identify with the images and that they remind them of happy memories of Lights On.”

All proceeds from the book will go towards Lights On.

The book costs $5 and is available for sale at Taunton City Hall and the city’s website, as well as during this year’s Lights On celebration.